How can I verify if a company exists and legitimate?
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How can I verify if a company exists and legitimate?
Asked on July 9, 2014 under Business Law, Texas
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 9 years ago | Contributor
If it is a corporation or limited liability company (LLC), go to your state's Department of State Website and see if it is registered to do business in your state.
If it is in a profession/line of business that requires a license (e.g. a realtor; electrician), contact the relevant state agency to see if it has a license.
Do an Internet (e.g. "Google" searches) and see what comes up about it--in particularly, look for complaints by anyone who has accused it of being a scam.
Check with the Better Business Bureau.
If it is local, go to it's office--does it have an office, for example? What does the office look like--does it look like a legitimate business, or is it just a place for mail to go?
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